At 94, Korea's oldest university president is still planning for future
At an age when most people have long stepped away from professional life, Lee Gil-ya is still thinking about what comes next. The 94-year-old president of Gachon University is Korea’s longest-serving university president. Lee took over the management of Kyungwon University in 1998 and became its president in 2000, later overseeing the integration of four institutions that culminated in the launch…
At a time when many are retired, Lee Gil-ya, the 94-year-old president of Gachon University, continues to plan for the future. As Korea's longest-serving university president, Lee took over Kyungwon University in 1998 and assumed the presidency in 2000. She played a key role in integrating four institutions, leading to the founding of Gachon University in 2012.
Currently serving nearly 14 years, Lee's lengthy tenure is uncommon in Korea, where university presidents generally have shorter terms. She credits her forward-thinking mindset to her extensive experience in healthcare and education, which taught her to anticipate change and respond swiftly. This approach is now guiding Gachon University's efforts to remain ahead in the era of artificial intelligence.
Lee emphasizes in an interview with The Korea Times that hardships are a form of success, serving as the foundation for future achievements. She believes that failures and setbacks are valuable experiences that help shape one's path.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
